Electrical and Physical Hazards

Common sense is a good rule of thumb concerning safety with electrical and physical hazards. Here are a few tips:

Electrical Hazards

Do Not Use equipment that has frayed cords, exposed wires and disabled safety guards or interlocks as these things pose a fire and shock hazard.

Use special caution around high voltage equipment such as electrophoresis apparatus as the higher voltages can deliver a lethal shock. Never disable safety features or use non-standard wiring for these types of equipment.

Do not store or use flammable materials near electrical equipment (including balances) as this can cause a fire. (There have been many fires at colleges and universities involving flammable solvents and balances.)

Physical Hazards

Beware of broken glass, and make sure the proper PPE is used in its cleanup. Make sure broken glass is placed in the proper container and not the regular trash.

Use proper gloves when handling hot or cold items to avoid burns or frostbite.

Make sure isles are clear of chairs, cords, and other trip hazards as these pose a higher danger in the lab where a trip could mean a spill of a dangerous chemical and broken glass.

About Earlham

Earlham College, an independent, residential college, aspires to provide the highest-quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts, including the sciences, shaped by the distinctive perspectives of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).